56 · Pastor · Haitian Voodoo, Science & Coincidence

‘Here in the US, money can do a lot of things that a relationship with God can, so people rely less on that relationship. In Haiti, there's less ambiguity about the effect of magic and prayer. When I was six, my grandfather brought my dead aunt back to life. This one US magician was showing his tricks to the Haiti kids, but they were not impressed, because they have seen more in real life.’

Othniel, my uber driver to a conference, is from Bahamas of Haitian parents. We talk about religion, satanism and witchcraft in Haiti. I ask if he has any spiritual gifts, and if he believes in meaning and purpose to life. It turns out that he is a pastor, and we talk about science and its dogmas, and the coincidences that brought us to this conversation.